Program Overview

Master's Degree in Interior Design

The Master's in Interior Design at Ball State University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for the next stage of their professional journey in the field of spatial design. The program is offered online and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Program Overview

The Master's in Interior Design program is tailored to meet the needs of professionals seeking to expand their knowledge across multiple design disciplines, including interior design, commercial and residential design. The program offers a broad and adaptable foundation for future roles, with a focus on innovative and diverse environments that align with current and future standards of sustainability and wellbeing.

Program Tracks

The program offers two tracks:

• Online Track: This track is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in architecture or interior design. The program requires 33 credits and can be completed within two years.
• On-Campus Track: This track is designed for students with no prior design education. The program requires 73 credits and must be started in the fall semester.

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan of study for each track is as follows:

Online Track

• Fall 1:
  • IDES 606 Visual Cultures in Built Environment (3 credits)
  • IDES 619 Environmental Psychology (3 credits)
  • IDES 616 Understanding and Practicing Research in Healthcare Design (3 credits)
• Spring 1:
  • IDES 601 Research Methods in Interior Design (3 credits)
  • IDES 614 Health Environments for Patient Populations (3 credits)
• Summer 1:
  • IDES 604 Professional Design Practice (3 credits)
  • IDES 610 Evidence-Based Design in Healthcare Settings (3 credits)
• Fall 2:
  • IDES 613 Design Analysis (3 credits)
  • IDES 616 Understanding and Practicing Research in Healthcare Design (3 credits)
• Spring 2:
  • IDES 601 Research Methods in Interior Design (3 credits)
  • IDES 614 Health Environments for Patient Populations (3 credits)
  • Thesis or creative project (6 credits)

On-Campus Track

• Fall 1:
  • IDES 101 Rapid Visualization (3 credits)
  • IDES 116 Basic Design 1 (3 credits)
  • IDES 222 Interior Design Studio 1 (3 credits)
  • IDES 606 Visual Cultures in Built Environment (3 credits)
  • IDES 619 Environmental Psychology (3 credits)
• Spring 1:
  • IDES 117 Basic Design 2 (3 credits)
  • IDES 120 Design Technology 1 (3 credits)
  • IDES 215 Interior Materials & Finishes (3 credits)
  • IDES 224 Interior Design Studio 2 (3 credits)
  • IDES 601 Research Methods in Interior Design (3 credits)
• Summer 1:
  • IDES 604 Professional Design Practice (3 credits)
  • IDES 610 Evidence-Based Design in Healthcare Settings (3 credits)
• Fall 2:
  • IDES 221 Design Technology 2 (3 credits)
  • IDES 314 Lighting Technology 1 (3 credits)
  • IDES 324 Interior Design Studio 3 (3 credits)
  • IDES 362 Interior Construction, Building Systems, and Regulations (3 credits)
  • IDES 613 Design Analysis (3 credits)
• Spring 2:
  • IDES 327 Project Management & Documentation (3 credits)
  • IDES 334 Interior Design Studio 4 (3 credits)
  • IDES 400 NCIDQ Prep (1 credit)
  • IDES 601 Research Methods in Interior Design (3 credits)
  • IDES 614 Health Environments for Patient Populations (3 credits)
  • Thesis or creative project (6 credits)

Course Requirements

The program requires students to complete a thesis or creative project, which is 6 credits. Electives may be taken from the Graduate Certificate in Planning and Design of Healthcare Environments or from other departments or institutions, with a maximum of 9 credits transferable from other institutions.

NCIDQ Examination Prep

The program qualifies students to take the National Council for the Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, with a simulated testing experience.

Academic Advisor

The academic advisor for the program is Dr. Shireen Kanakri, Associate Professor of Interior Design and Team Lead for the Ball State University Health Environmental Design Research Lab.

Dual Degree Option

The program offers a dual degree option with the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, which can make students more marketable to future employers.

Why a Master's Degree in Interior Design?

The Master's in Interior Design program at Ball State University offers many benefits, including flexible scheduling, superior quality, socially responsible curriculum, economical tuition, technologically advanced courses, and small class sizes.

More about Online Learning

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive online learning experience, with interactive courses and easy access to technical support.